As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s development. Whether you realize it or not, your kids are always watching and listening. They base a lot of their decisions on what they see, hear, and are taught by you. Making substance use prevention a regular part of conversation and modeling healthy behaviors is essential. It’s almost Red Ribbon Week, so get the discussion started.
Keep the Conversation Going
Talking about drugs and alcohol should not be a once-a-done conversation; it should be an ongoing discussion. Learning takes repetition. Use teachable moments to bring up substance use and let your children’s questions and answers guide the way. When you’re watching television or a movie, talk about the character’s choices and their consequences. Do they try to make drinking or smoking look cool? What makes it unhealthy and dangerous? The same goes for stories you hear on the news or things you see out in the community. Talk about them.
Set Expectations and Consequences
Let your children know that drug use and underage drinking are not acceptable. Establish clear consequences and be proactive in helping your children stay involved in activities that build their self-esteem and promote healthy decision making. Talk about how drugs and alcohol can lead to risky decisions and legal problems. How it can get them kicked off of sports teams or out of clubs, and they could lose their license. They’ll also face consequences at home.
Be a Positive Role Model
Pay attention to your own behaviors and conversations regarding drugs and alcohol. Show your children that you use these substances responsibly or not at all. Talk about the risks of addiction and how recovery is possible through addiction treatment. Break down stigmas about addiction and clear up any misconceptions your children may have.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, seek treatment. Above It All can help you make your well-being a priority and show your children that change is possible and there are healthier ways of dealing with challenging situations than drugs or alcohol. Start the conversation today.
Making a resolution to seek addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one is a major decision. Another significant choice is deciding where this treatment will occur. There are thousands of addiction treatment programs and centers available, so how do you know which one is right for you?
Remember that no two people are exactly the same. What worked for a relative, colleague, or friend, may not be the best choice for you. Their situation may have been completely different. Do your research and ask questions to find a program that fits your needs and goals while providing high quality care. Here are a few things to consider:
It is a licensed or accredited facility? What type of training or licensure does the staff have?
What kind of results should you expect? What are the program’s goals?
What approaches to treatment are used?
What does aftercare or relapse prevention planning look like?
What types of treatment are available? Are mental health or co-occurring disorders treated?
Is treatment tailored to your individual needs?
Every facility will be slightly different, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure that you are comfortable with the answers provided. You want to be confident in the care you are receiving. Above It All provides a full continuum of care from initial intervention services and detox through connecting clients with sober living options for continued progress in recovery. Clients are supported along each step of the way and engage in evidence-based and holistic therapies that promote physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual healing.
In addition, treatment plans at Above It All are tailored to meet each client’s individual needs. Clients receive treatment and support that align with where they are in recovery and their individual goals. Make sure when choosing a rehab facility that it focuses on your unique needs as there is no blanket solution to addiction recovery.
Prescription drugs can be a safe and effective way of treating certain medical conditions when used as directed. However, when individuals misuse these drugs, it can be dangerous to their health and increase risk of addiction. Understanding the benefits and risks of certain prescriptions is important, as well as knowing how they should be safely used. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are taking prescription drugs:
Talk to your doctor about exactly what drug you are taking, why, and what the expected outcome is. Make sure you know how the drug works and what potential side effects are, as well as any risk of addiction.
Ask about warning signs of addiction. While many people are able to safely take prescription medications with no problems, it is a good idea to know what to look for that may indicate addiction.
Only use the medication as prescribed. If you have unused drugs remaining, take them to a secure drop-off facility or follow procedures for safe disposal. This can help to keep the drugs from getting into the wrong hands.
If you are concerned about taking a prescription medication due to fear of addiction, ask about alternative options. There may be holistic or non-prescription alternatives that you can try first. Medication does not always have to be the first line of defense when other treatments can prove effective. Discuss options with your doctor, especially if you or someone in your family is in recovery from addiction.
If you are faced with a prescription drug addiction, Above It All can provide the comprehensive treatment you need for recovery. We will work with you to overcome addiction and learn how to manage your health and well-being in a safer, healthier way. Above It All supports you along each step of the way as you progress through treatment and recovery.
Drugs and alcohol can have a powerful mind-altering affect. Addiction is not just about physical dependence on a substance, but also the changes that occur in the brain. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with a substance use disorder to also have a mental health disorder, which is recognized as having co-occurring disorders. Some people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety. However, substance use can actually make symptoms worse.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “About a third of all people experiencing mental illness … also experience substance abuse.” And, “about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness.” It occurs more often than people may think.
Treating these two conditions simultaneously is essential for more effective recovery. Mental health plays an important role in relapse prevention and living a higher quality life. Through dual diagnosis treatment at Above It All, clients build an understanding of how substance use and mental health disorders are intertwined. They can see the impact that it has on their own life and develop targeted strategies to support recovery.
When one condition is treated but not the other, it can increase risk of relapse. A portion of the underlying issues regarding addiction or mental illness is being overlooked. A program that emphasizes positive mental health for all clients is beneficial, but especially those that can equip clients with tailored strategies for coping with the mental health issues they face.
Above It All provides comprehensive treatment that encompasses both substance use and mental health to create a plan for more sustainable recovery. Clients feel more prepared to return to their community and overcome challenges they may face while making healthy decisions. Get the personalized treatment you need to manage co-occurring disorders at Above It All and see what a positive difference it can make in your life.
No one grows up picturing themselves spending time in a drug and alcohol rehab facility. No one plans to become addicted, and yet it happens to so many people. You realize that your life has turned in a direction that you never expected and you wonder what you’re doing. You may see the hurt and fear in your family’s eyes; their concern for your well-being. And so you decide that it is time to reach out for help. Above It All is here with open arms to support you along every step of the way.
The team at Above It All understands the challenges you are facing and your fears about rehab. When you feel like you can’t go any further, we provide the support you need to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward. You can learn from others who have been in your shoes and walked that same path. People who have committed themselves to recovery and turned their lives around.
At Above It All, you’ll be equipped with the tools you need to succeed and establish a substance-free lifestyle. You’ll be able to develop effective coping strategies to handle the emotions that arise with sobriety and the feelings you tried for so long to numb or push away. And Above It All will be by your side through each stage of recovery.
You deserve another chance. You deserve to experience a new way of living. Drugs and alcohol do not have to control your life; take back control and overcome the feelings of hopelessness and despair. Above It All empowers you to make the changes that can save your life. All you have to do is call. Hear stories from real clients and staff at Above It All on our YouTube channel, and subscribe today to ensure you never miss a video of hope and inspiration.
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Transcript
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I was on a bus going to work, dope sick and ready to commit suicide the day before.
Alcohol was always on the table, benzodiazepines, I really enjoyed crystal meth and cocaine.
During the end the typical day would be trying to get something down and going to the bathroom and just dry heave, eyes watering and looking in that mirror and saying “what the hell are you doing?… What the hell are you doing?”
When someone comes into the treatment center, they are completely broken. They are ashamed, they’ve hit the bottom.
I remember sitting there and researching rehabs online, and thinking “I can’t believe that I have to do this… I’m not that person, you know? I am so much better than this. How can this be happening to me?”
You can see everybody’s pain and tears and how you’re tearing everybody apart and it hurts… but you don’t know how to stop.
I called my mom and I could not stop crying. I could not. Every time I would hear her voice I could not stop freaking crying. At that point she said “Okay, we need you to get help.” The next day I was in Above It All.
You need to have someone to be there for you. It’s hand in hand. Someone to pick you up when you are about ready to fall and you don’t think you can go any further. And I’ll be there to give you that hand.
Your best thing is what got you in all that trouble. So you have to take some kind of direction from somebody that’s walked this path before you.
For an addict to live in the developmental stages of recovery, to live without substances… illicit substances is very difficult. It’s like a mountain climber climbing a frigid mountain without any tools. So essentially, I come in and I provide those tools.
The first little while, that’s very difficult. There’s all these emotions that start coming back, you start feeling things and you just want to numb those feelings. You know? That’s very hard in the initial 30, 60, 90 days is very hard because you get off the drugs and then your feelings start coming back and you are thinking about all the things you’ve done and all the people you’ve hurt and then it really hurts you, you know?
Kory is, he is, phenomenal. He goes so far and above and beyond what is required. He wants everyone to have the ultimate experience.
Within two days you start to see a difference. Within a week a huge difference and in just a matter of days or weeks it’s totally amazing. Totally amazing.
If you don’t want that feeling of hopelessness and despair, Above It All saved my life.
Make the call and you know, jump in with both feet.
You’re a beautiful person and you deserve to have a new life and have an experience.
All you have to do is make the call, you know? All you have to do is make the call and it’ll save your life.
There is no denying that addiction can come with a high price tag. Drugs and alcohol are not cheap, especially when used in excess. Addiction can quickly eat away at a person’s paycheck and savings. In addition, there are associated costs as well. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), substance abuse racks up “more than $700 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.”
Monetary expenses are not the only costs associated with addiction, however. It can take toll on all aspects of a person’s life.
Health: Drugs and alcohol may contribute to risk of heart disease, liver disease, mental health problems, several types of cancer, and more. Individuals are also at greater risk of illness or injury while under the influence. This can result in poorer health and increased spending on healthcare.
Career: Addiction can seriously impair productivity and decision making. Employees may end up calling off more often or showing up late as a result of drug or alcohol use. Individuals may lose their job, have trouble keeping a job, or be passed over for promotions or other opportunities due to the effects of untreated addiction.
Family: Addiction takes a toll on the whole family. It can strain relationships, tax finances, break trust, and create unstable environments for children. Family members may feel stressed trying to handle the effects of addiction and not let it negatively impact their lives.
Friends may start to distance themselves because they don’t like who the individual becomes when they’re under the influence. People may find that addiction racks up high costs that go beyond finances and transform their lives in a way they ever expected. Addiction treatment at Above It All can help people to turn their lives around and rebuild relationships in recovery. They can get back to pursuing their goals and living a healthier lifestyle. It’s not too late to get help at Above It All.
There is not a single cause of addiction. It does not stem solely from genetics or environment. It results from a culmination of different factors. Many of these factors are viewed as either protective or risk factors. Protective factors are elements that reduce a person’s risk of engaging in substance use or developing an addiction. Risk factors are elements that make them more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance use.
Many factors can either work for or against an individual depending on how they are presented. For instance:
Parental Involvement: If a parent is very involved in their child’s life, they maintain open and honest communication, set rules and expectations, and create a safe, nurturing environment, this works in the child’s favor. They are less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol. However, if a parent is not around much, treats them poorly and is not supportive, doesn’t enforce rules, or uses drugs or alcohol themselves, this can increase a child’s risk.
Substance Availability: Drugs and alcohol should be kept out of sight and out of reach of children. If parents are using these substances, they should be doing so responsibly and setting a good example. When youth have easy access to addictive substances, it can increase their risk of use.
Environment: It is a good idea for youth to be involved in activities that promote self-esteem, self-confidence, and healthy decision making. They should be surrounded by people who support them and care about their well-being. Very unstructured, unpredictable, or unsupportive environments can act as risk factors. Children may feel more pressure or temptation to try drugs or alcohol. They may not understand the dangers.
Above It All helps clients to overcome challenges that have contributed to their substance use and create a sustainable lifestyle in recovery. Individuals can be more proactive in their own recovery and preventing loved ones from developing addictions.
Recovery from addiction is an ongoing process. Once you have completed a treatment program, that doesn’t mean the work is over. You must find ways to continue implementing what you have learned to sustain healthier routines, keep a positive attitude, and reduce risk of relapse. One activity that many people in recovery find beneficial is volunteering.
Volunteering keeps you active and gives you something to look forward to. Boredom and isolation are common triggers for relapse, but by volunteering you are getting out into the community and keeping yourself busy. It can also challenge your mind and help you to focus on things other than substance use.
Choosing an organization or activity that you are passionate about also helps you to find a greater sense of purpose. Your time is spent making a difference, whether it’s serving meals, sorting donations, taking care of animals, or promoting environmental awareness. Pick an activity or organization that you are proud to stand behind.
You’re making a difference in others’ lives by volunteering. Think about how many people have helped you throughout your life; now it’s your turn to give back and help others. You never know how much your efforts may change someone’s life.
While you’re volunteering you’ll also be learning new things and building connections with others. This can help you to develop job skills and life skills. Networking can get your foot in the door for potential job opportunities. Volunteering can help you to feel more confident about your ability to hold yourself accountable, be on time, complete tasks, and hold down a job. It can be very empowering to see that you’re making a difference and doing something positive with your life.
Above It All can help you get on the road to recovery through treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. You’ll learn valuable strategies for recovery and relapse prevention that you can use for the rest of your life. It can be the first step in turning your life around for the better.
If you’re looking for the “perfect” time to enter treatment for addiction, you’re never going to find it. You have to decide that now is the right time and make your recovery a priority. If you think about it enough, you can find a million-and-one reasons to delay treatment and why right now just isn’t a good time.
You can’t take the time off necessary for treatment.
It is too expensive.
It costs too much.
You can stop on your own.
You have X coming up at work/school/home that you need to do.
Rehab doesn’t work.
These are all things you’re telling yourself to justify not seeking treatment. These are all things that can be overcome and should not act as barriers to your health and well-being. September is National Recovery Month and a great time to reflect on why getting treatment for addiction is so important.
Delaying treatment can make things worse: The longer you wait, the more damage you are doing to your body, your relationships, your career, your finances, your future, and more. It only takes one time to overdose on drugs. Is it really worth risking your life over whatever reason you have for putting off treatment when recovery is within your reach? Effective treatment is available and can help you turn your life around.
Choosing to get help now can lead to a brighter future: Why continue to struggle when you can start your journey toward recovery and achieving your goals and dreams? The sooner you enter addiction treatment, the sooner you can start implementing positive changes in your life. Looking back on how far you have come can be very rewarding. You’ll be opening new doors for yourself and living a more fulfilling life.
Above It All can help you to get there. All you have to do is call, and we’ll help you with the rest. Recovery is possible. Make the choice to turn your life around today and enter addiction treatment.
It can be incredibly hard to watch someone you love struggle. You want to do whatever you can to help them and save them from this pain. However, this often only serves to enable your loved one to continue their pattern of substance use and doesn’t lead to necessary changes.
Signs of Enabling
Some people don’t even realize that they are enabling addiction. They fail to see the connection between their actions and their loved one’s ongoing addiction. These are some common enabling behaviors:
Giving someone money for rent, utilities, groceries, etc. because they spent their money on drugs or alcohol.
Driving them to or from the bar so they won’t be driving under the influence or because they have their license suspended.
Making excuses for their behavior while they are intoxicated.
Covering up for them or trying to fix their mistakes.
Stepping back and letting them experience the natural consequences of their actions can be a wake-up call. Allowing them to struggle can help them to see that it is a serious situation and they need help.
Stopping Enabling Behavior
Although you may feel as though you are helping your loved one out, what you are doing is giving them no reason to change. They can continue doing what they’ve been doing because the consequences have been minimal and someone always has their back. It’s time to stop this behavior and support them in entering treatment.
Express your concerns about their well-being and encourage them to seek treatment. Let them know that you will support them in recovery and want to see them get better. If you have been enabling, set clear boundaries and expectations. Let them know that you’ll no longer be financially supporting them or covering up for their mistakes.
Above It All can help you hold an intervention and direct your loved one toward treatment. We provide the comprehensive care you’re looking for to support your loved one in achieving long-term recovery.
